Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan (2026)

Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick and not being able to treat your illness. Often, travelers will carry typical over-the-counter or prescription medicines with them to avoid any unpleasant situations. However, Japan’s strict rules concerning the importation of medicines may affect your packing list.

Find out what the rules are for bringing medicine to Japan, and what you might be able to get locally, with our step-by-step guide.

Over-the-Counter Medication

What OTC medications are prohibited?

While numerous medications are easily available in Western countries without a prescription, Japan takes a much harder line on certain ingredients.

The following are prohibited as they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard:

• These medications include (but are not limited to) Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Actifed, Sudafed, Advil Cold & Sinus, Dristan Sinus, Vicks Inhaler, and Lomotil

Both the limits and what is considered a permitted ingredient is subject to change, so we advise consulting the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s English language website before any planned travel to Japan.

*Note: As Contac 600 Plus (コンタック600プラス) is listed as a Class 1 medication, it can only be purchased when a licensed pharmacist is available to sell it to you.

What OTC medication can you bring?

Travelers are permitted to bring a two-month (60 day) supply of any permissible over-the-counter medication, and an equivalent amount of vitamins. This also applies to contact lenses.

If you need more than a two months’ supply, a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (輸入確認書) is needed.

Prescription Medication

Can I bring any prescription medicine into Japan with me?

In general, visitors to Japan are permitted to enter the country with prescription medicine without any special procedures if they adhere to the following conditions:

1. It is only for your personal use
2. It is not a prohibited or controlled drug in Japan
3. The quantity is up to 1 month’s supply.

Please review Japan's Controlled Substances List from the Narcotics Control Department to ensure that you follow the appropriate protocols for your medication.

Which prescription medicines are outright prohibited?

Opium, cannabis and stimulant drugs (Amphetamines, methamphetamines), including certain medicines for the treatment of ADD/ADHD (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) are strictly prohibited and illegal to bring into Japan.

Travelers face prosecution if in possession of them, even if those medications come with a foreign prescription or a customs declaration form – there are no exceptions.

On a related note, it goes without saying that hard drugs—like heroin, cocaine and MDMA—are similarly outright prohibited.

Note: As of June 1, 2026, CBN (cannabinol) is also now prohibited in Japan. 

Japan bans CBN products

CBN is a natural byproduct of THC. At normal doses, CBN is considered non-intoxicating and had been used in Japan as a sleep aid—even being sold in Don Quijote. However, it is believed to produce mild psychoactive effects in high doses, and this is where Japan draws the line.

As of right now, CBD (cannabidiol) is not being banned. THC-free CBD products remain legal in Japan, though who knows how long this will remain true.

Does your prescription involve narcotics?

If your prescription medication involves the use of narcotics (e.g. morphine, codeine, oxycodone, pethidine, hydrocodone), you must seek advance permission from one of Japan’s eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare.

You will need to submit an import application form as well as supporting documentation at least 14 days before traveling to Japan.

Does your prescription involve psychotropics?

The permitted dosage depends on the drug. For example, drugs such as Valium do not require a Yunyu Kakunin-sho if in quantities lower than 1.2 grams (the limit for the active ingredient, diazepam).

For an outline of which drugs fall into this category and the permitted dosages of each, please refer to this list provided by Japan’s Narcotics Control Department.

How to prepare permitted medicine to bring with you?

A copy of the prescription and a doctor’s note of explanation should accompany the medication when brought with you to Japan.

Medication should be stored in the original bottle – do not store in an unmarked container or bottle labeled for a separate medication.

Do I need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho?

Generally, you will need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (special certificate of import), under the following circumstances:

1. You need greater than 1 month’s supply of prescription medicine
2. You need greater than 2 month’s supply of non-prescription medicine
3. You need syringes or a number of Medical Devices that exceed the limit.

In these cases a Yunyu Kakunin-sho must be issued in advance so that it can be presented at customs if required.

For information on how to obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, visit the website for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (which includes up-to-date information on when you do and don’t need to rely on this form). Note that this process could take up to 3 weeks to obtain, which you should have before you leave home to travel to Japan.

Be aware overseas prescriptions are not honored in Japan – if your prescription needs are greater than what you are able to bring with you (even with a Yunyu Kakunin-sho), you will need to see a local care provider. In this case, it is wise to speak to your home country health care provider in advance if this may affect an ongoing treatment.

Do you need a medical certificate to bring medicine into Japan?

Yes, you need to get a medical certificate from the doctor who prescribed your medicine. The medical certificate must include:

• Your name
• Your address
• The reason you need the medicine—this should include the specific condition or underlying cause, as a vague “for personal use” or “for medication conditions” will not be accepted.
• A list of your medicine, including doses and strength
• The signature of the doctor who prescribed your drugs
• The date of issue of medical certificate (dated within three months)

For more information, check the latest details on the official Narcotics Control Department website.

Summary: How much medicine can I bring into Japan?

The following provides a basic framework summarising what can be brought into Japan without requiring special permission (see Yunyu Kakunin-sho above). Note that the aforementioned rules and exceptions, based on prohibited ingredients, still apply.

Locally Available Medicine

Where can I get OTC medication in Japan?

Japan does have well-stocked pharmacies in most major metropolitan areas, so finding relief for minor health issues (like coughs and sore throats) is often easily accomplished.

Brands and medication ingredients may differ from what travelers may be used, but pharmacists can often assist in finding an effective alternative.

Common OTC medication in Japan

Here is a simple table of the most common over-the-counter medications in Japan, including related symptoms and what medications will help.

*This is not an extensive list of symptoms or OTC medications. Please check with your doctor or a licensed pharmacist if you are concerned about taking new OTC medication.

Common drug stores in Japan

	Welcia Drug store chain centered around the Kanto and Kansai regions.
	Matsumoto Kiyoshi Nationwide chain but dominant in Kanto region.
	Tsuruha Drug Nationwide drugstore chain.
	Daikoku Drug Nationwide drug chain, and concentrated around Kansai/Osaka.
	Sun Drug Nationwide drug chain.

Where can I get prescription medication in Japan?

For those in need of a specific prescription, a list of English-speaking doctors can be found through various embassy websites.

• British Embassy Tokyo: Sources of Medical Information in Japan
• US Embassy: Medical Assistance
• Australian Embassy Tokyo: Medical Information

Often, a phone call to an English-speaking doctor before a trip to Japan to discuss any medicines with questionable content will go a long way to avoiding any potential issues at customs.

Official Links & Resources

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Narcotics Control Department

Bringing medicine to Japan: FAQs

Do you have to declare medication at Customs in Japan?

No—you do not need to declare medication in Japan if it is within permitted limits and not a controlled substance. However, you must declare it if:

• It is a controlled drug (narcotics, stimulants, psychotropics)
• You required prior approval (e.g., a Yunyu Kakunin-sho or narcotics permit)

Japan requires all travelers to submit a customs declaration, but only restricted or prohibited items must be explicitly declared.

Source: Japan Customers—Passenger Clearance

How strict are Japan's Customs about medicine?

Japan’s customs are very strict and rule-based, especially for controlled substances.

• Some medications are completely prohibited regardless of prescription
• Others are allowed only with advance permission
• Even common medicines may be restricted based on ingredients or quantity

Failure to comply can result in confiscation, fines, or detention.

Source: Legal Clarity

How to import medicine to Japan?

To bring medicine into Japan:

• Check if your medication is controlled:
  • Narcotics / stimulants require advance permission
• Check quantity limits:
  • Prescription drugs: up to 1 month supply
  • OTC / non-prescription: up to 2 months supply
• Apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Import Certificate) if exceeding limits
• Carry documentation:
  • Prescription
  • Signed medical certificate
  • If within limits, no special procedure is required.

Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) FAQs (PDF) 

Is Zolpidem allowed in Japan?

Yes—Zolpidem is allowed, but it is classified as a psychotropic drug and has strict limits.

You can bring it without special permission if:

• It is non-injectable
• Total amount is 300 mg or less
• Exceeding this limit requires advance approval.

Sources: Narcotics Control Department and Japan Handbook

Is Wellbutrin allowed in Japan?

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not approved in Japan, but it is not outright banned.

It may be brought for personal use, but you may need to:

• Confirm with authorities in advance
• Apply for an import certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho)
• Classification can be unclear, so pre-approval is strongly recommended.

Failure to check may lead to confiscation or penalties.

Source: Legal Clarity

How do I bring my ADHD meds into Japan?

It depends on the specific medication:

1. Stimulant ADHD medications (strict)

• Examples: Adderall (amphetamine), Vyvanse
• Many are prohibited outright, even with a prescription
• Others may be allowed only with advance permission

2. Non-stimulant or controlled meds

May be allowed with:

• Quantity limits
• Advance approval from the Narcotics Control Department

3. What you must do:

• Check the active ingredient (not brand name)
• Apply for permission, if required (at least ~2 weeks in advance)
• Carry prescription and documentation

Japan strictly regulates stimulants under the Stimulants Control Act.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Malta

Why is some cold medicine banned in Japan?

Some foreign cold medicine is considered a “stimulant raw material” in Japan as it includes active ingredients such as pseudoephedrine. These are often limited or outright banned at the border. It is recommended that you confirm with the Narcotics Control Department (NCD) before entering the country.

Source: NCD Controlled Substances List

Can I take sleeping pills to Japan?

Yes, but within strict quantity limits:

• Zolpidem: You can bring in below 300 mg without permission
• Anything over this limit requires advance approval via the NCD Import Application

It is recommended to submit this form at least two weeks before arrival.

Can I take CBD to Japan?

CBD is extremely restricted in Japan. Only CBD with zero THC (including trace amounts) is allowed, and many foreign CBD products are illegal due to THC contamination.

Source: Tokyo Customs: Cannabis Control Act